Urban scavenger hunt brings a different kind of energy to the Las Vegas Strip

If you’ve always wanted to be a part of something like “The Amazing Race” and “Rat Race,” now is your chance to experience all the energy in the most exciting city in the world.

Great Urban Race championship takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 10. This will its third time in the city. The top 25 teams within each race city compete in the ultimate battle of brains and brawn for the $10,000 grand prize. This is definitely not your average Vegas bet.

“These mastermind participants won’t let this race be a gamble — they are in it to win it,” said Cinthia Yang, director of the Great Urban Race.

This organization encourages players to go past their comfort zones, work in teams and experience cities like never before. Each team must face 12 exciting and adventurous clues involving both mental and physical challenges. One minute you’ll be solving puzzles or completing a sporty activity, and the next you’ll be on a scavenger hunt mission. Will you have to take a picture with a stranger or pet? Or will you have to take a picture in front of a landmark or random object? The possibilities are endless.

For the third year in a row, the 2012 Great Urban Race championship takes place in Sin City.

The race has already visited 21 major U.S. cities this year, concluding with the championship race in Las Vegas. The championship race is broken into two events — the preliminary race and the “Elite Eight,” where the top eight teams compete for the grand prize.

The race is only open to the top 25 winners who previously registered. Race headquarters is located at the Flamingo hotel on 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Schedule is as follows:

Packet pickup: 7:45 – 8:55 a.m.

Preliminary race: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“Elite 8″ race: 2 – 6 p.m.

Awards reception: 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Even if you’re not in the race, you just might see a piece of the action if you’re around the Las Vegas Strip. You can also hang out by the finish line at the Flamingo hotel to cheer everyone on.

In partnership with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Great Urban Race benefits the fight against childhood cancer. Together, these two organizations have raised more than $300,000. The Great Urban Race donates $10 to the hospital for each participant who registers. In addition, families and friends of participants can also contribute to the cause.

Most folks take their Vegas jackpot winnings back home, but my dad decided to stay here instead. That’s how I left Seattle almost 20 years ago. I moved from greenery and rainy days to hot summers, palm trees and desert. As much as I love my hometown, I decided to stick around Vegas. This city just has so much to offer. You don’t even have to be a gambler, bar hopper or an all-night partier. I love Vegas for its awesome vegan-friendly spots, concerts, swanky hotel suites and spas so big, they’re like castles. The pool scene is not too shabby either, which is why I love taking stay-cations. Besides living it up -- Vegas style -- I’m hanging out with my adorable baby girl, two cats and super-fluffy Shih-Tzu. I’m also a huge fan of '90s music, shows and movies. You can find me on Google+ and Twitter.